Hope they call me on a Mission

Yesterday, Grandma got the look from the postman as she went in the house from the driveway.  So the mission call had arrived!  Grandpa got home from work around 5:30 and we zoomed over for the unexpected excitement.

 Area Medical Director and Assistant at the Mexico City Mission Training Center beginning in July (or perhaps earlier according to the missionary department.)  But it's official.  

the mission calls for Elder Harston and Sister Harston

And today Aetna sent an organization announcement about the upcoming retirement of Dr. Harston as he prepares to leave on a mission.

Holiday Memories

Grandpa let us jump in on a trip to the cabin to find a tree!

and finally embrace winter. (It's been so mild in the valley!)

We visited with Santa at Marvin's party!

and with the whole family :)

Cam planned a trip downtown to see the lights.

 Stan and Teresa became engaged in this spot a few years ago!  

Cam, Haley, Jared and I also reminisced about fun pre-marriage memories from the Salt Lake temple grounds.   

The candy windows are still there!  ..a favorite from my childhood

We jumped on Inez's idea for a family night to the mall to see the holiday excitement (and use a gift card).

Jordan's long awaited performance of "The Night Before Christmas." (the full length poem)  He was soo proud and excited!!

 Grandma was the leader on Christmas Eve

 Learning to play/share with Olivia -- the newest one year old in the family :)

Cousin time!!

 and time to talk about philosophy

 Susie rocked the directing and producing and costuming of the Christmas eve Clark family live nativity!

Then we headed to G & G Harston's on Christmas day.  Rachel takes lots of super photos and shares them with those of us in need.  It was really awesome to have her family there for the week.  We also had Chad's family around for a few days after they survived the drive from Kentucky!  So the whole family was together!!

 Grandma directed this song for the grandboys, "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem."  The girls did "Oh Hush Thee My Baby."

 We joined the Aramaki family at Primary Children's hospital that afternoon for musical performances and sing-a-long.  Rachel accompanied Jared on his clarinet a song he was also able to play in church with Jan Hansen.

 You can still fit in games with Renee at the end of a full Christmas day.

Hatch family excitement, pot-luck, and white elephant

 Dad and the gaggle of girls

 Some brave souls went out in below zero weather for adventure,

While Jordan braved the beginning of our Winter ailments.  

We escaped the bugs till that holiday and now look forward to the successful end.

Good times!

Counting Blessings

With some family in town for Thanksgiving celebrations, Grandma and Grandpa took us to play at the children's museum.  

The boys got their uncles for a few soccer games after the big meal.

Grandmother and other extended family sat down to share thoughts about life's blessings.

Uncle Derek is always a target for love!

Landon participated, but missed out on this photo commemorating Novembeard. :)

Jordan's special day

On November 1st Jordan was baptized and confirmed by his dad!  He showed his desire and readiness to follow Jesus and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

He was so glad to have friends and family members around to celebrate with him.  It was a very special day for a special boy.  

Eight years old is really a special age.  Jordan is growing by leaps and bounds.  He loves being involved in scouts and takes responsibility for many new goals.  He discovered that he can read anything and still loves to absorb all the learning and adventure that he can.  He is a GREAT worker when he puts his mind to a task.  He is a friend to everyone and loves being a good son and brother.  

Birthday Boys

Here are photos from another year of celebrating with these two boys.  

a surprise cake at Grandma's!

I caved in and let the boys invite a few friends for a birthday party.  Of course it had to be Halloween themed.  The favorite part was when Jared did the Boy Scout scary poem/skit "A Halloween Post Mortem" in the basement.

 

The kids got to use a pass to go swimming and climbing with Dad. 

The first trip of many many to the aquarium with the birthday present family pass

Fall Adventures

We made it on a drive around the Aspen Loop and saw the colorful leaves

 

Then ate a picnic and let the "kids" play at the park.

This fall we found a new pumpkin patch and fall festival just down the street!  but missed bringing Jared /:(

During the kids' fall break we made a quick trip to Pocatello and Garland for some cousin time, owl cookies, and a picture on Jenny's cute front porch!

I was so happy to catch a photo of the kids working together when I sent them out to clean up some leaves.

One of our favorite Halloween celebrations is visiting Aunt Linda's neighbors with our cousins.   

I only had to find/put together one costume this year.  I indulged Michael in creating the black robe of one of his favorite characters.  The other kids rotated through the fun costumes we already had.

Here are the kids and friends painting pumpkins at the party for Jared's work.